Daily
Fort Myers
Friday, January 30th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 30th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lee County’s efforts to curb illegal school bus passing recorded over 8,900 violations and $2 million in fines since December; North Fort Myers residents urge tougher penalties while officials remind drivers to slow down at bus stops. NBC2
- ➤ Due to cold weather, the Fort Myers Beach Public Library canceled its Giant Book Sale this weekend and rescheduled it for Feb. 28 & March 1 as a fundraiser by Friends of the Library with thousands of titles on sale; this will be its first sale since Hurricane Ian. Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin
- ➤ Joceli Coutinho, 78, with Parkinson’s and dementia, was located Thursday morning after nearly 24 hours missing in Lehigh Acres and Buckingham — his family said they plan to add tracking devices and extra supervision to prevent future incidents. WINK News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A cold front is postponing the Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival at Centennial Park this weekend as rain and cold conditions prompt a delay; organizers Paragon Festivals & the Fort Myers River District Alliance say new dates will be announced soon to ensure guest safety. WINK News
- ➤ At Celtic Fest downtown, one local nearly fell for a phone scam claiming missed jury duty, but officials remind residents that law enforcement never demands money by phone. The vibrant festival offered live music, community booths (with appearances by Mayor Kevin Anderson and local leaders) and plenty of Irish spirit. Florida Weekly
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Noel Davies, trustee of the Glover Bight Land Trust, submitted an application to Lee County’s Conservation 20/20 program on Dec. 17, 2025, offering to sell a 102-acre riverfront parcel at the southern tip of Cape Coral. The property—across from Tarpon Point and near the Tarpon Point Marina—features natural mangroves and potential for passive recreational development. Cape Coral Breeze
- ➤ The Picayune Strand Restoration Project restored 85 square-miles of wetlands in western Collier County by removing 260 miles of roads and plugging 48 miles of canals; Florida panthers and other wildlife now have improved habitat. Officials celebrated the reopening this week — marking the first major tract restored under the Everglades Restoration effort. WGCU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new Florida law will boost tax refunds by about $1,000 per household by raising the deduction and exempting parts of overtime and tips. It increases the deduction by $750 for individuals and doubles it for couples, offering tax relief on overtime up to $12,500 and tips up to $25,000. WINK News
- ➤ Construction has begun along Moreno Avenue to build a new sidewalk for Fort Myers Middle School students. The city expects to finish work by end of February, but only the portion within city limits will be completed (unincorporated Lee County is not part of the project). WINK News
- ➤ A Southwest Florida homeowner faces uncertainty with his Elevate Florida flood prevention project after paying $2,100 in inspection fees and awaiting clear cost estimates, while officials emphasize a 25% cost share and advise contacting a case manager (for guidance) as delays persist. WINK News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Joey Mendes (a 2006 graduate and former Cypress Lake coach) was named head football coach at Fort Myers High School on Jan. 29, replacing Sam Sirianni Jr. who retired after 24 seasons and 175 wins. The News-Press
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Little Women - The Musical
3-6 p.m. — Players Circle Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience an epic musical adaptation of a beloved classic with showstopping melodies.
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Little Women - The Musical
3-6 p.m. — Players Circle Theater — Ticketed event — Experience the beloved tale of sisterhood through stunning melodies and uplifting performances.
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Jay Moreno Comedy Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snappers Comedy Club Fort Myers — Tickets required — Experience the animated and witty humor of Puerto Rican comedian Jay Moreno.
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Dave Landau Live Comedy Show
7-10 p.m. — Snappers Comedy Club Fort Myers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of sharp wit and humor from comedian Dave Landau.
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Alex Lopez CD Release Party Featuring Champ Jaxon
7-9 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate the new blues/rock album 'Retro Revival' with a high-energy performance from Alex Lopez and special guest Champ Jaxon.
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Livin' It Book Signing
9 PM — Laurel Estates — Free entry — Meet the authors of 'Livin' It' and enjoy refreshments at this engaging book signing event.
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North Florida Ospreys vs. Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Men's Basketball
7-11 p.m. — Alico Arena — VIP packages available — Experience college basketball action with flair and excitement at Alico Arena.
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The Play That Goes Wrong
7 p.m. — Florida Repertory Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a hilarious night of theatrical mishaps and comedic chaos.
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RC Smith Live Comedy Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snappers Comedy Club Fort Myers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of humor with NYC comedian RC Smith known for his sharp improvisational skills.
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The Three Italian Tenors
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Starting at $30 — Experience beloved Italian opera arias and songs with charm and dramatic flair from this sensational new ensemble.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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